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  The Ghost Trap
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Springtime Events

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March 21-Lincolnville Historical Society 7 p.m.
"From Lobster Traps to Red Carpets: How a Maine Novel Became an Award-Winning Feature Film"
For a backlist book to become a movie shot in Maine is exceedingly rare and Midcoast Author Kay “K.” Stephens will tell that story at the Lincolnville Historical Society on March 21 at 7 p.m. as part of LHS’ "Fridays at the Museum" series. The doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the event starts at 7 p.m. kicking off with a local musician playing a short set. A brief Q & A will follow. Signed copies of the book will be available for purchase.
Penobscot Bay Pilot: Author Talk With K. Stephens

March 27-WABI TV Book Club-Bookmarks
Author K. Stephens will be back in the WABI studio to discuss how the book has become of one Leapfrog Press's best sellers since the release of the The Ghost Trap feature film. Tune in at 4:35pm(ish) or stream it later on wabi.tv.

April 26-A Cool Little Book Fair, Bath, Maine 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
K. Stephens will join 22 Maine authors at the Winter Street Center for a day-long fair and meet-and-greet with the authors.
FMI: Book Fair


OystHERS Book Club-June
I'm thrilled to be part of the all-female oyster bar in Bath, OystHERS first Book Club! Sisters Lauren and Sadia grew up with a lobsterman dad, read my book and got in touch with me to be part of their first-ever book club this summer. Details below.
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Nov & Dec 2024 screenings and events

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November 10-The Strand Theatre, Rockland, Maine 3 p.m.
Join the author/screenwriter K. Stephens and lobstermen/producers Ryan Post & Cheri Savage for a special matinee screening with a Q&A afterward. The book and film have many scenes in Rockland, including at the Maine Lobster Festival. Come enjoy a lively, community screening. Note: tickets are not available for pre-sale online and walk-up only. Note: we are giving away an  original copy of The Ghost Trap signed by the cast--truly rare! The box office opens at 2:30 p.m. so come early! https://www.rocklandstrand.com/event/the-ghost-trap/

November 13-The Sea Dog, 1 Main Street, Camden Maine 3 to 5 p.m.
"Books & Brews Happy Hour Event with K. Stephens
Join Maine author and screenwriter K. Stephens, whose Maine lobstering novel, The Ghost Trap became an award-winning major motion picture and is now playing at The Colonial Theatre in Belfast and at The Strand Theatre in Rockland (Nov. 10). It's also playing in national theaters around the country, and on streaming platforms. Grab a drink and a bite for an informal happy hour meet-and-greet at the Camden Sea Dog. We will have personalized autographed copies for sale. As the screenwriter and an executive producer on the film, Stephens will talk about how Maine lobstermen were integral to the authenticity of the film shoot in the Midcoast in 2022 and all the locations in Maine we used. This is a free, no-hard-sell event just for fun. She loves a good beer and a good conversation so come join her!

November 16-Holiday Market at Lincolnville Center 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
K. will be at the market with other crafters, makers, bakers, antique dealers, and farmers, at 18 Searsmont Road, Lincolnville. So grab a coffee at Lincolnville General Store or Drake's, pop by, and chat about the movie and the book!

November 18-Maine's 2020 Reading Connection Book Club, 7 p.m via Zoom
Best-selling author Irene Drago of Maine Authors Publishing is hosting a special Zoom book club with K. Stephens to discuss her novel THE GHOST TRAP, a salty noir that reveals the tender side of a tough lobsterman in the Midcoast. Stephens was hired by Khanlarian Entertainment to write the screenplay, and she's ready to tell that story, as well. For an invitation to Zoom, send an email to [email protected] by noon on November 17.

December 7-Red Railway Market-Holiday Craft Fair-Unity, Maine 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
K. will be at the market with other crafters at 212 Depot Street in Unity. Unique Christmas gifts handmade items, pre-made decorations, and more. Come get a personally autographed book for someone this holiday who loves Maine and check out her one-of-a-kind literary shadowboxes.

December 13-Stonington Opera House is screening The Ghost Trap at 7 p.m.


December 14 & 21 The Colonial Theatre- Belfast- Matinees return!

December 14-Bangor Author's Fair, Bangor Public Library 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Come find me at
the third annual Bangor Authors' Book Fair & Literary Festival with more than 100 Maine authors, readings, and panels. The event is free to the public and is a great way to support Maine authors. I will have autographed copies--the perfect gift for someone who loves Maine!


Book signing at Maine Authors Publishing Book Festival August 24, 2024

Join me and other Maine authors on Saturday, August 24 from 11 a.m to 4 p.m. at The Thomaston Public Library. I’ll have a video presentation on how the Maine novel became an independent feature film primarily shot in Midcoast Maine! Now the recipient of three awards from film festivals, the movie will be released nationally in November. Come chat with me and I’ll autograph a copy of the book that launched it all. 
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Book signing at Maine Lobster Festival Aug. 1 & 4, 2024

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The Ghost Trap is a Maine novel that turned into an independent feature film and was shot in Maine in 2022 which included three minutes of footage of The Maine Lobster Festival! Featured in six film festivals around the country and winner of Vermont Film Fest's "Best Feature" award. Come find me at the Marine Tent at the Maine Lobster Festival on Thursday, Aug 1 & Sunday, Aug 4 at 11 a.m. I'll have a limited number of copies of the original cover ($17) and the brand new film-tie in cover. ($19) Cash/check. I'll be on hand to answer all of your film questions. Admission to MLF is FREE.

Join us at Oliver & Friends on July 19, 4 to 6 p.m.

Author/Screenwriter K. Stephens, along with some of the cast and crew will be on hand to give an informal presentation and Q & A on how a Maine novel became the Centerpiece Film of the Maine Film Festival.
Book signing and Author Talk
The film, screens at MIFF on July 17 and July 20 with Q & A from cast, author, and producers after each one.
Come have fun, and chat with Stephens about Maine, lobstermen, and the making of the book-to-film.
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Here are the events unfolding this summer. Check back as we add more!


Maine International Film Festival July 17 (7 p.m.)  & July 20 (6 p.m.)

Book signing: Oliver & Friends, Waterville, Maine July 19, 4 to 6 p.m.

Vermont Film Festival, Woodstock, VT,  July 26, 6 p.m.

Maine Outdoor Film Festival, Portland, Maine July 28, 7 p.m.

Book signing: Maine Lobster Festival, Rockland, Maine August 1, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Valley Film Festival, Los Angeles, August 3, 8 p.m.

Vacationland Film Festival, Biddeford, Maine August 8, 7 p.m.

Book signing: H&H Mercantile (Searsport) August 10, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Book signing, Maine Authors Publishing Thomaston Public Library, August 24 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Book signing with author, cast, producer at Scuppernong Books April 20, Greensboro, NC.

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Following the festival premiere of The Ghost Trap at the RiverRun International Film Festival on April 19, author K. Stephens, producer/director James Khanlarian, and some of the lead cast of the film will be on hand at the bookstore the next day April 20 to chat about how the book became a film in Maine, what the actors went through to be lobstermen in the movie, and where you can see the film yourself. We will be giving away TWO free virtual tickets at this event, so you have to be there in person to win.

Scuppernong Books
304 S. Elm Street
Greensboro, NC 27401
2-4 p.m.

Click for more details


Maine Lobster Festival Events

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We unveiled the world premiere of the film’s trailer at the Festival this week. And while we’re months away from revealing the film’s release date, here are some media events I’m doing at MLF this week.

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​I also did an interview with WABI TV

1. August 3. To support the #SaveMaineLobstermen campaign, on Thursday, Aug. 3 at 11am in the North Tent on the Festival grounds at Harbor Park in Rockland, Maine, a panel will discuss the plans to support the Maine lobster industry and the families who make their living on the water. I'll be there as we screen the trailer for the first time in front of the press and to talk a little bit about how local Maine lobstermen were integral in making the movie.

2. August 3. Following that, (around noon, I'll be in the Marine Tent, signing limited edition copies of The Ghost Trap ($16.95 credit/$17 cash) til around 4 p.m. Book proceeds will go to the Save Maine Lobstermen campaign.


3. August 6. The International Great Crate Race is a crowd favorite at the Maine Lobster Festival! This year's event, held Sunday, Aug. 6 at 2pm will be announced by the hilarious Emily Dillon and covered live by FOX ABC Maine. I'll be there talking about the book & film. Watch the livestream starting at 1:30pm Aug. 6: https://bit.ly/3O7IGqW

Stay tuned to our News page because we will have more announcements to come!

Book signing at Arts in the Barn, Cushing ME
July 28 & 29, 2023

Come join me and support Maine lobstermen! I'll be at the opening reception on Friday from 5-7 p.m. and on Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. I'll have limited copies of the book before we switch to a new film edition cover.
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Book signing: Lobster Pound in Lincolnville Beach September 21, 2022 from 3-6 p.m. for Maine Lobster Week

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Come join me for a happy hour book signing at the Lobster Pound in honor of Maine Lobster Week. This is a great week to enjoy lobster (and support the 5,500 Maine lobstermen who are battling for their careers right now) as well as the Lobster Pound's nightly specialty craft cocktail for happy hour.  Get a signed copy of The Ghost Trap ($15 cash, check or card) and I'll tell you anything you want to know about the film!

Book signing: September 3, 2022
Windjammer Weekend
Camden, Maine

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Join me on Saturday at 9 a.m featuring the largest gathering of schooners in the Northeast. As you know, schooners play heavily into The Ghost Trap and I'll have a bunch of books with the new cover to sign! Here's the schedule for the weekend if you're in Camden, Maine.
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Book signing August 5, 2022
Maine Lobster Festival

Join me and other Maine authors for a book signing in the Marine Tent starting at 11 a.m. Come chat with me about the book and the film, which starts this summer!
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Maine author talk with Lara Tupper and K. Stephens on September 19, 2021 during Maine Lobster Week

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Join Lara and K. for a lively 45-minute chat featuring a brief reading from each author and Q&A from the audience on anything you’ve ever wanted to know about what life is like in Maine, the settings, and lobstermen that inspired the authors, as well as 12 recommended Maine books to put on your reading list.
 
DIRECTIONS:

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86014160880
Meeting ID: 860 1416 0880
Those who don’t yet have Zoom, email for further instructions:
[email protected]

How To Have Fun On A Book Tour

A glimpse into a year of taking The Ghost Trap and Maine Buggin on the road in Maine. Yeah, I'd do it all over again.

Past presentations

PicturePhoto courtesy Bangor Daily News
Somewhere between fact and fiction: The subculture of Maine Lobstermen

Local resident Kay Stephens is the author of the award-winning novel, The Ghost Trap, (2009, Leapfrog Press) following the haunting story of Jamie Eugley, a young lobsterman struggling with the grinding responsibilities of a head-injured fiancée and mounting trap wars.

Stephens will be on hand at the Sea Star Shop, located at the Monhegan Boat Line dock  Saturday May 24th at 9 a.m. to do a book reading/short presentation about Maine's lobstering subculture. She will splice fictional excerpts of The Ghost Trap with short documentary-style video clips of the lobstering DVD Maine Buggin, which gives the inside scoop on how lobster traps work, how they’re caught and how invisible territory lines are drawn. This is a fast, exciting presentation for those interested in the hard-working, intense lifestyle that goes with Maine lobster fishing.

The Ghost Trap took eight years to write with multiple Maine lobstermen consulting on it, as well as James Acheson, author of The Lobster Gangs of Maine. The novel won several awards, including as a finalist in the Literary Fiction category of the National Best Books 2009 Awards, sponsored by USA Book News.  The book will be available for purchase; cash or check. The novel is set in the Midcoast ranging from Camden to Port Clyde. Stephens is currently at work on another novel set in Maine in the late 1920s. FMI: www.theghosttrap.com

Readings/presentations 2013

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Courtesy Maine Lobster Festival
Hey all, I've been enjoying this Maine summer way too much to be updating this page, but I've finally gotten my butt in gear to set up three more appearances this summer...during lobster festivals, naturally. They are:

Book signing at Maine Lobster Festival, Rockland, Maine
Thursday, August 1, 10- 2 pm
Marine Tent

And as part of Lobsterpalooza Week in September, I'll be doing wine/beer tastings combined with book readings (combining my two favorite things):

Wednesday September 11
Rockland Food Service Ghost Trap Reading/ beer tasting
195 Park Street, Rockland, ME
4-5:30 pm

Thursday September 12
Breakwater Vineyards
373 Main Street Rockland, ME
6-7:30 pm Ghost Trap Reading/Wine tasting


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Lobsterpalooza: A presentation on the subculture of Maine lobstermen

Lobsterpalooza! The Lobster Promotion Council is doing a big week of events to drum up more publicity for Maine's lobstermen in the midcoast and on August 28 at the Maine Lighthouse Museum in Rockland (2-3 pm) K. Stephens will present:

Between Fact and Fiction: The Subculture of Maine Lobstermen .

K. Stephens, a Midcoast author of The Ghost Trap will host a presentation/fiction reading about Maine's lobstermen on (date) and (time). The Ghost Trap (Leapfrog Press, 2009) follows the haunting story of Jamie Eugley, a young lobsterman struggling with the grinding responsibilities of a head-injured fiancée and mounting trap wars in a fictional setting based around Tenants Harbor, Spruce Head, Port Cyde and Friendship.

Stephens will splice fictional excerpts of The Ghost Trap with the documentary-style video clips of 4th generation Maine lobsterman Ryan Post's educational DVD Maine Buggin, which gives the inside scoop on how lobster traps work, how they’re caught and how invisible territory lines are drawn. This will be a fast, exciting presentation for those interested in the hard-working, fascinating lifestyle that goes with Maine lobster fishing. Books will also be available for purchase and signing.

FMI: www.theghosttrap.com
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6759656-the-ghost-trap
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Triple Shot Lobster Novelist Book Signing December 3 in Camden

On Saturday December 3, 2011, Bayview Lobster Restaurant will host a book signing for three local novelists with a lobster theme between 3-5 pm in their lounge.

K. Stephens, the award-winning author of The Ghost Trap (Leapfrog Press, 2009) has personal ties to Bayview Lobster, having featured the old lobster shack before its renovation in one scene of her novel. The novel follows the haunting story of Jamie Eugley, a young lobsterman struggling with the grinding responsibilities of a head-injured fiancée and mounting trap wars in a fictional setting based around Tenants Harbor, Spruce Head, Port Cyde and Friendship.

Jim Nichols’ most recent book, Hull Creek (Down East Books, 2011), also depicts the modern lobstering life in the Midcoast. Hull Creek is a realistic and thought-provoking depiction of the struggles and temptations that confront lobstermen. True to character, dialogue and circumstance, this book continues to stand out among Maine fiction titles.

Steven Powell’s first novel, Patch Scratching, (Maine Authors Publishing 2011) appeals to readers from 11 to 91. A coming-of-age story set in a Maine lobstering community, the novel follows a boy, Jed, who was abandoned by his mother. Powell's book looks at the meaning of family, the challenges of individuals who have been abandoned, work ethics and small-town dynamics.

Join the “Christmas By The Sea” festivities Bayview Lobster has to offer. Come enjoy a hot cider or one of their local microbrews on tap and meet the authors personally.

Summer 2011 Readings and Appearances

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photo by Jessica Graham
This summer I'll be adding a few presentations around The Lobster Festival in August...and possibly more in September, titled: “Between Fact and Fiction: The Subculture of Maine Lobstermen.”  Even though Maine lobsterman Ryan Post will be busy working on a film project this summer, I'll be doing solo presentations, splicing fictional excerpts of The Ghost Trap with the documentary-style video clips of his educational DVD Maine Buggin, which gives the inside scoop on how lobster traps work, how they’re caught and how invisible territory lines are drawn. This will be a fast, exciting presentation for those interested in the hard-working, high drama lifestyle that goes with Maine lobster fishing.

DATES
 
Tuesday, August 16, 6:30 PM  at The Rockland Public Library

Wednesday, August 31, 7 PM at The Jackson Memorial Library in Tenants Harbor


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April Author Chat with K. Stephens
Sponsored by The Next Best Book Blog & Goodreads

I'm indebted to Lori Hettler, who not only posted a thoughtful review of The Ghost Trap on her "The Next Best Book" blog, but has also arranged a giveaway contest for the novel in preparation for an April Author Chat on Goodreads.com So drop in throughout the month of April if you've read the book, want to read it or want to ask me any questions. I've also got a couple of Maine lobstermen on deck in case you want to ask them questions--so you can get the facts behind the fiction. Even if you've missed out on the Goodreads giveaway, I am offering a free signed copy of The Ghost Trap for those who enter a drawing for "liking" The Ghost Trap's fan page. A random number will be chosen at the end of April. I look forward to chatting with you!

Lori Hettler is the creator and moderator of The Next Best Book Club (TNBBC) on Goodreads.com. It's the largest, most active book group on the site - boasting an astounding 7500+ members at the moment. Running this book group inspired me to create the literary blog TNBBC's The Next Best Book Blog , where my main focus is on indie authors and indie publishers. She reviews novels, interviews authors, spotlights publishers, and offers giveaways.

Readings and Appearances

Well, September 2010 wraps up an entire year of the book tour and I want to thank every book store, library, book club, and radio/TV location that hosted and featured us this year. It's been a good haul as they say. Ryan and I may be up for appearing a few more places in the spring so please contact me if you are interested in having us speak. Remember to shop local and keep Maine Buggin and The Ghost Trap on your radar. 

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Maine is our home so we kicked off this book tour in Rockland "Lobster Capital of the World" in August, 2009. Accompanying me is 4th generation Maine lobsterman, Ryan Post, creator of educational DVD, Maine Buggin (www.mainebuggin.com), who’ll give the inside scoop on how lobster traps work, how invisible territory lines are drawn, and why trap wars usually happen outside of the news.

Working together in a way audiences have never seen before, we are splicing fictional excerpts with true tales on the water--staging a fast, exciting presentation for those interested in the hard-working, lifestyle that goes with Maine lobster fishing.

2010
Waterman's Community Center, the island of North Haven
Saturday, July 31
1-3 pm

Maine Lobster Festival Weekend!
Friday, August 6
The Reading Corner, Rockland, Maine
4:00- 4:45 pm

The Ghost Trap & Chocolate and Wine Pairing
October 10
Cellardoor Winery
12:00-3:00 PM



2009

Friday, August 7
Island Institute, Rockland, Maine
12-6 pm

Saturday, September 5
Sherman's Book Store, Camden, Maine
1-2 pm

Wednesday, September 9
Island Institute, Rockland, Maine
7-8 pm

Saturday, September 19
Sherman's Book Store, Bar Harbor, Maine
6-8 pm

Saturday September 26
Percy's Burrow, Auburn, Maine
1-3 pm

Sunday, October 4
Brass Compass, Rockland, Maine
9-5 pm

Sunday October 18
Bath Book Store, Bath, Maine
12-2 pm

Saturday, November 7
Bangor Public Library
Author Series
2-3 pm

Saturday November 14
Longfellow Books, Portland, Maine
3-5 pm

Saturday, December 5
Nonesuch Books, Portland, Maine
11-1 pm

Saturday, December 12
Sherman's Book Store, Freeport, Maine
1-3 pm


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